A federal judge ruled the Trump administration cannot deploy National Guard or military troops in California for law enforcement duties, citing violations of the Posse Comitatus Act. U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer in San Francisco found the administration “willfully” broke the law by using armed soldiers and vehicles to enforce immigration policies during protests.

California sued after Trump’s team sent National Guard troops and Marines to manage unrest over immigration enforcement. The judge’s order, effective in 10 days, restricts deployments but allows existing forces to remain stationed in Los Angeles. Breyer emphasized the administration failed to coordinate with local officials and improperly used military assets for tasks like crowd control and traffic blockades.

The ruling does not block the deployment of 300 National Guard troops in LA or guard federal buildings under legal guidelines. However, it halts actions such as arrests, evidence collection, and surveillance by military personnel. The White House criticized the decision, calling it an overreach that undermines presidential authority to combat crime.

Trump had previously deployed National Guard units in Washington, D.C., and signaled plans to send troops to cities like Chicago and Oakland. Critics argue the move risks militarizing domestic law enforcement, while supporters say it addresses violent crime. The administration has indicated it will appeal the ruling.